Skip to main content

Featured

The Fed Just Hiked Rates. Here's What It Means for Your Canadian Mortgage.

  The U.S. Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate 25 basis points yesterday — the first hike in three years. The Bank of Canada hasn't moved. That gap is now the biggest story in Canadian personal finance. MoneySavings.ca  |  September 17, 2026  |  Canadian Money Brief Yesterday afternoon, the Federal Open Market Committee voted 12-0 to raise the U.S. federal funds rate by a quarter point, pushing it to a target range of 3.75%–4.00%. It's the Fed's first rate hike since July 2023, and Chair Kevin Warsh made clear it almost certainly won't be the last. The Bank of Canada, by contrast, has held its overnight rate at 2.25% through seven straight meetings. It doesn't decide again until October 28. For Canadians with a mortgage, a renewal coming up, or a home equity line of credit, this matters more than it might look at first glance. 3.75–4.00% New U.S. Fed Rate 2.25% Bank of Canada Rate 1.625% Rate Gap (vs. 1.375% yesterday) ~71.5¢ Loonie (post-hike low) What th...

article

Trump Escapes Prison and Fines in Hush-Money Case

In a landmark decision, President-elect Donald Trump has avoided any prison time or fines in the hush-money case that has captivated the nation. On Friday, Judge Juan Merchan handed Trump an unconditional discharge, sparing him from jail time, fines, or probation. This ruling makes Trump the first convicted felon to hold the White House.

Trump was convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign. Despite the potential penalties of up to four years in prison and $5,000 in fines for each count, the judge opted for an alternative sentence, citing the unique circumstances of the case.

During the hearing, Trump maintained his innocence and described the case as a "tremendous setback" for the justice system. The decision has sparked widespread debate, with some praising the judge's discretion and others criticizing the lack of tangible consequences for the president-elect.

Trump's legal team has indicated plans to appeal the jury's verdict, but for now, he remains a convicted felon as he prepares to take office on January 20.

Comments